The vision of the City Attorney's Office

The City Attorney's Office advances the public health, safety, and welfare of the community.

The mission of the City Attorney's Office

As I begin my third term as City Attorney, I can assure constituents that we are well on our way to taking this office to the next level - even as Seattle continues to be a world leader in what The Brookings Institution has dubbed the "Metropolitan Revolution." A world-class city requires a world-class municipal law department, and I am proud to say we are meeting all challenges with determination and best practices.

How we are meeting our challenges:

Public Safety and Police Reform: The City Attorney's Office (CAO) partners with the Seattle Police Department (SPD) on policy development, training curricula and auditing protocols. The work of the Criminal Division staff extends beyond the traditional role of prosecuting criminals, encompassing a broad range of activities designed to reduce or prevent crime, solve problems, and empower neighborhoods. Our partnership with SPD is particularly strong as the City enters its fourth year under a federal consent decree to ensure policing meets constitutional standards.

Drug Policy Reform: Following the successful launch of several dozen retail marijuana stores in Seattle, our office is now helping to bring stores selling medical marijuana into the fold.

An Affordable City for All: The CAO sees the availability of affordable housing as essential to Seattle remaining a vibrant and livable city.